Iran questions IAEA’s political stance, says committed to NPT

“If the International Atomic Energy Agency’s expectations are beyond Iran’s obligations [under the Non-proliferation Treaty], this will require the definition of a new framework which we are currently negotiating,” the ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, told reporters on Tuesday. Araqchi further dismissed remarks made by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano about lack of cooperation from the Iranian side. “Iran adheres to its commitments within framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Safeguards Agreement, and will continue its cooperation with the Agency,” he stated.The Iranian official noted that Tehran has shown its “seriousness and goodwill” in negotiations with the IAEA, noting that it will be up to Amano to explain long-drawn-out talks. The United States, Israel, and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program. Iran rejects the allegation, arguing that as a committed signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the IAEA, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Syria needless of Iran military aid

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected allegations of Tehran sending military forces and equipment to Syria. “The Syrian government and Army do not need to receive weapons or fighters and they own enough power to counter terrorists and Takfiri groups,” Araqchi stated. “We categorically deny any allegation regarding the dispatch of troops and arms from Iran to Syria,” he stressed.Araqchi reiterated Tehran’s support for a political solution to the crisis in the Arab country and expressed hope that the upcoming Syria talks in Geneva will see the presence of all Syrian parties in view of a solution acceptable to all Syrian people. He said Iran has been unofficially invited to the second round of talks in the Swiss capital, but Tehran is awaiting a formal invitation. “If the Islamic Republic of Iran is invited to attend the Geneva conference, we will consider the invitation with a positive and constructive look,” he said. The turmoil in Syria erupted in March 2011 and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.

Iran, Iraq discussing pilgrims’ security

Araqchi also touched upon the recent death of a number of Iranian pilgrims in Iraq. He said Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi recently discussed the security of Iranian pilgrims in its neighboring state in a telephone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshyar Zebari. The remarks came after a rise in the number of Iranians killed in terrorist attacks that target Shia pilgrims in Iraq.